Brian Burns, Executive Director Brian joined the Tri-State Steelheaders in 2002, and became our Project Manager in 2004. Since 2004, Brian has coordinated and managed numerous habitat restoration projects sponsored by Tri-State Steelheaders across southeastern Washington. He became our Executive Director in early 2015.
When not in the office, Brian works on his own riparian restoration project, watches the Walla Walla sunsets with his wife, and goes for walks with his husky. Originally from the California bay area, Brian came to Walla Walla after completing his M.S. in Biology at Utah State University.
Brian’s philosophy on habitat projects: “Clean water and healthy watersheds – what’s good for fish is good for people.”
Email: brian.burns@tristatesteelheaders.com
Sarah Moffitt, Education Coordinator
Sarah grew up in the Sacramento area and spent childhood exploring the American River and Desolation Wilderness near Tahoe.
She has an undergraduate degree from UC Davis in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology (2008) and spent ten years as an aquatic ecologist before going back to school to get her M.Ed. in Science Education from the University of Washington in partnership with the IslandWood graduate residency program in 2018.
Her professional career has taken her to the high Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Olympic Peninsula, Crater Lake, and other areas throughout California, Oregon, and Washington. In her free time, Sarah enjoys hiking, reading, and experimenting with cooking yummy healthy foods. She believes that learning should be a life-long experiential process and finds joy in cultivating contexts for moments in nature that are both profound and re-affirming.
Email: smoffitt@tristatesteelheaders.com
Rebecca Heisman, Environmental Educator
Rebecca joined the Tri-State Steelheaders staff in August 2026. Originally from Ohio, she has a master’s degree in environmental education from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and has lived in the Walla Walla Valley for over a decade. Before joining the Tri-State Steelheaders, Rebecca was a garden education manager for Walla Walla Valley Farm to School and a freelance science writer.
Rebecca loves being part of the Walla Walla community and creating opportunities for kids to interact with nature and experience their local ecosystem. Outside of work, she enjoys birdwatching, gardening, and spending time with her family.
Email: rebecca@tristatesteelheaders.com
David Talkington, Project Manager
David is originally from the mountains of north-central Pennsylvania, where he also attended college. Upon completion of a B.A. In Liberal Studies (focus in fisheries biology) from the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania in 2023, David worked for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s Division of Habitat Management before joining the Tri-State Steelheaders in August of 2024.
Since a very early age, David has been fascinated with the underwater world. As early as he can remember, fishing has been an integral part of his life. In his time off, he can likely be found in the stream with a rod in his hand, casting for whatever species is in front of him. David strongly believes that it is the responsibility of all people to conserve and maintain our natural resources, no matter how big of a challenge that might be.